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In a cabinet report, council's major projects director Garry Taylor said: "They have confirmed that they will be seeking a big name sponsor who will pay revenue to the associated with The Venue, therefore they are unable to agree to the building being named the Mick Ronson Arena/Venue, as the loss of potential sponsorship incurred by doing so would adversely affect the business plan plans for its operation.

"However, discussions with SMG have indicated they are willing to work with the council to explore how the venue might be able to include a reference to Mick Ronson somewhere within the building."

Mick Ronson

Deputy council leader Councillor Daren Hale: "I am sure there will be substantial space to include Mick's name and have a fitting memorial to him."

Several multi-use arenas run elsewhere by SMG Europe operate under sponsor names, including the First Direct Arena in Leeds and the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

Speaking after November's full council meeting, Mr Little accepted getting the building named after his musical hero was unlikely but welcomed the prospect of him being recognised in some way inside the building.

This year mark's the 25th anniversary death of the guitarist and producer who made his name locally with Hull band The Rats before joining Bowie's Spiders.

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As well as taking a 50 per cent share in any naming rights, the 25-year lease between the council and SMG Europe also includes a number of profit-sharing proposals as well as an annual rental payment to the council.

It's the biggest lease deal involving the council since it handed day-to-day control of running what was then the KC Stadium to a private company in 2002.